Ottawa
Parliament Hill
In 1860, Prince Edward (later Edward VII) laid the cornerstone for the structures, which were finished in time to host the inaugural session of the first Parliament of the new Dominion of Canada in 1867. The buildings, Centre Block, West Block and East Block, are at the heart of Canadian political life, containing the House of Commons and the Senate. The Peace Tower Carillon dominating the Centre Block houses 53 bells totalling 53,424 kg (60 tons). The biggest bell weighs 10,080 kg (11 tons) and the smallest one weighs 4.5 kg (10 pounds). Also, a clock, an observation deck, and the Memorial Chamber, commemorate Canada’s war dead including the 66,650 Canadians who lost their lives in World War I.
Parliament is the heart of Canada’s democratic system. Canadians’ representatives meet on Parliament Hill to make laws that shape the country’s future and affect the lives of every citizen. Parliament Hill is a place for national decision-making. It is also a place for people. Visitors are welcome to tour the buildings, view Parliament in action, and enjoy public programs and colourful spectacles.
Changing the Guard
From June to August, catch the thrilling spectacle of the Changing the Guard ceremony - Canadian tradition at its most colourful. The colourful half-hour ceremony is held daily on the Parliament Hill lawn. Two historic regiments – the Governor-General’s Foot Guards and the Canadian Grenadier Guards – compose the Ceremonial Guard. The parade of 125 soldiers in busbies and scarlet jackets assembles at Cartier Square Drill Hall to march to the hill.
ByWard Market
This traditional farmers’ market sells food, flowers, produce and is home to boutiques displaying a wide variety of arts and crafts. The outdoor market operates 363 days per year and is nestled in a vibrant residential and commercial neighbourhood.
Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill
A 30-minute display of sound and light set against the spectacular backdrop of Parliament Hill that tells the story of Canada. From July to September, this free, bilingual show is presented nightly. Presented by the National Capital Commission (NCC).
Canadian War Museum
The architecture of the Canadian War Museum, with its grass-covered roof and angled walls evoking the instability of war, is breathtaking and, in itself, worth the visit. Dedicated to the education, preservation and remembrance of Canada’s military history, the Museum presents Canada’s rich military past. Through the stories of men, women and children who lived through periods of conflicts, the Museum
showcases the human side of war and provides a thought-provoking experience to visitors. Confirmed exhibits for 2010-2013 include The Wars of 1812 and Medieval Warfare.
Minimum Time Required: 2 hours
Canada Aviation Museum
This museum is recognized as having the most extensive aviation collection in Canada and one which ranks among the best in the world. It has grown to include more than 120 aircraft and countless artifacts. Exhibits illustrate the development of the flying machine in both peace and war from the pioneer period to the present time. The museum is home to the Silver Dart, which made Canada’s first powered flight from Baddeck, Nova Scotia in February 1909.
National Gallery of Canada
The museum has 50,000 works in its permanent collection. Highlighted artists include: Benjamin West, Georges Bouillon, Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. European masters such as Picasso are also represented and contemporary galleries feature pop art and minimalism. Each year, three to four major traveling exhibits are displayed. Facilities include two restaurants, and a gift shop/bookstore.
Minimum Time Required: 2 hours
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Permanent exhibits deal with Canada in space, land and marine transportation, communications and modern industrial and household technology. Launch a rocket from a mini-control room or observe the heavens through Canada’s largest refracting telescope (appointments necessary).
Minimum Time Required: 2 hours
National Arts Centre
Performances run year-round and attract audiences both from the National Capital Region and from around the world. The NAC is home to the worldrenowned National Arts Centre Orchestra as well as world-class dining at Le Café restaurant for lunch and dinner.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Recently renovated, the museum now features a crystal “lantern” over the front entrance, to evoke a sense of the stone tower that was part of the original architecture. Eight permanent exhibit halls trace the history of life on Earth from its beginnings 4,200 million years ago. Exhibits include: four floors of dinosaurs, gold mines, birds in flight, mammals hunting food, minerals and gems, creepy critters, deep sea experiences and more. The Water Gallery, a new gallery in the renovated East Wing, explores water through displays, aquariums and specimens, including the skeleton of the blue whale.
Minimum Time Required: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Laurier House
This 1878 brick home is filled with mementos of the two Canadian Prime Ministers who lived here. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, occupied the home from 1897 to 1919. William Lyon Mackenzie King, Prime Minister for 21 years lived here from 1923 to 1950.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride
The Musical Ride, a world-renowned military pageant performed with 32 horses and riders, was first produced publicly in Regina in 1887. Horses and riders practice at the Canadian Police College and the RCMP invites visitors to tour the stables and Visitors’ Centre year-round.
Canadian Tulip Festival
For about 2 weeks in mid-May Ottawa is ablaze with over 3 million tulips surrounding public buildings, monuments, embassies, homes and driveways. The festival began in 1945, when the Netherlands sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada in appreciation of the role Canadian troops played in liberating Holland and in recognition of Ottawa housing the Dutch Royal Family during the war.
The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Constructed between 1826 and 1832, the Rideau Canal was meant to bypass the Thousand Islands section of the St. Lawrence River thought to be vulnerable to American attack. A historic navigable waterway, the Rideau Canal winds 202km from Kingston to the Ottawa River. In summer, walk along the canal paths or explore the canal by canoe or kayak. In winter, the Rideau Canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink and a magical 7.8km skateway of ice, in the very heart of Canada’s Capital.
Royal Canadian Mint
Have you ever wondered how coins are made? The answer can be found at the Royal Canadian Mint, Canada’s national mint. Founded as a branch of the British Royal Mint in 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint produces circulation coins for Canada and other countries, as well as commemorative coins sold worldwide. The Mint in Ottawa produces collectors’ coins, general circulation coin production was shifted to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1976.
Minimum Time Required: 1 hour
Aboriginal Experiences
Visitors are provided with enriching and entertaining new experiences on historic and sacred Victoria Island under the shadow of Parliament Hill. The programs offer a rare opportunity to experience the rich culture, teaching and history of Canada’s First People. For thousands of years, the Algonquin Nation used this very island as a meeting place for gatherings, trading and celebrations.
Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. In Canada’s parliamentary democracy, the Governor General represents Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. The position of Governor General is the oldest uninterrupted public office in North America. Since Confederation in
1867, all Governors General have lived at Rideau Hall. The 32-hectare estate features the residence, service buildings, a visitor centre and extensive grounds and gardens.
Minimum Time Required: 1 hour
Canada Agriculture Museum
A unique combination of modern demonstration farm and museum. Tractors exhibition follows the 100-year-old story of the tractor from unfamiliar oddity to commonplace tool on Canadian farms. Farm animals, live demonstrations, special events and fascinating artifacts bring Canada’s agricultural heritage alive!
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography
This museum presents dynamic exhibitions by Canada’s best photographers. CMCP is one of only a few museums devoted to photography in the world.
Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada
Experience the most comprehensive collection of Canadian notes, coins, and tokens in the world as well as currency from other countries. The Currency Museum is just a five minute walk from Parliament Hill.
Diefenbunker Cold War Museum
This immense underground nuclear bunker was built in secrecy during the height of the Cold War, and was meant to house the top officials of the government and military during the risk of nuclear attack. Tours of this unique facility take visitors through 1960s era government rooms, living quarters, and cryptographic areas.
Mad Science of Ottawa
Children are provided with fun, interactive, and educational activities that give an understanding of what science is really about and how it affects the world around them. Visit for a “supercool” hands-on science experience. Children and adults alike will have a “blast”!
Midway Family Fun Park
Midway Family Fun Park offers 30,000 sq. feet of fun for everyone, from wall climbing to the Jungle Gym. Plan a day to enjoy all this amusement park has to offer.
Canadian Folk Music Walk of Fame
With inductees including Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and Stan Rogers, the Canadian Folk Music Walk of Fame has honored some of Canada’s best musicians. Walk along the plaques and feel the star power.
Recreational activities for the young and young-atheart abound in Ottawa. Check out the Fun Junction Family Fun Centre and try your hand at mini-golf, laser tag, rock climbing, or relax in the FJ Sports Bar. Or, make a splash at one of the Ottawa region’s wave pools. The Kanata’s Leisure Centre & Wave Pool features a whirlpool, waterslide, fitness studio and healthy eating options. Splash Wave Pool offers a beach area, leisure and wave swims, and a whirlpool which can accommodate up to thirty adults.
